Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick can keep making money without spring training

By Matthew Casey
Published: Friday, March 4, 2022 - 8:42am
Updated: Friday, March 4, 2022 - 2:12pm

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Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field
Mallory Schnell/Cronkite News
Gamblers could place bets at ticket windows at Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field.

The owners’ lockout of Major League Baseball players means Arizonans are losing the economic benefits of hosting the Cactus League.

But having a state license for a sportsbook means Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick can keep making money without spring training.

Forbes valued the Diamondbacks at $1.3 billion shortly before the club announced a deal with Caesars Entertainment to put a sports betting facility next door to Chase Field.

The state license to do this, and take mobile bets, came from Gov. Ducey’s gaming deal expansion with Arizona tribes.

The Diamondbacks recently announced the restaurant concept at the sportsbook will be by TV food star Guy Fieri. He promoted the venture in a Twitter video.

“Hey, sports fans. Guy Fieri here. And just want to let you know that in Arizona, if you are a sports fan, you are in good luck."

The restaurant at the Diamondbacks sportsbook is supposed to open this spring, but a date has not been released.

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